ZAMBIA: Cleric Bemoans Soaring Divorce Rates in Zambia
Fr Mukosa
By Sandra Kunda
The Bishops Conference of Zambia has expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in divorce cases around the country.
According to the Secretary General of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Fr Francis Mukosa, it is disheartening to note the sharp rise in divorces, with reported cases surging from over 22 thousand in 2021 to 36 thousand in 2023.
Fr. Mukosa highlighted that this surge in divorce cases indicates limited respect and understanding for the sacredness of marriage as a divine gift.
The Zambian cleric emphasized that the disintegration of marriages is causing distressing consequences for families, as they are rooted in these broken unions.
Identifying key contributors to the rising divorce rates, Fr. Mukosa pointed to the insufficient preparation undertaken by individuals entering marriage observing that many couples focus primarily on superficial preparation which leads to a weak foundation.
“Most couples prepare for the wedding and not Marriage,” Fr. Mukosa noted, stressing the need for adequate preparation and understanding of one’s partner before committing to the lifelong union of marriage.
The Secretary-General outlined other factors leading to increased divorces, including the trivialization of sex, where it is seen solely as a source of pleasure, and self-centeredness, making it challenging for partners to commit to each other, the result of which leads to unfaithfulness and violence.
Fr. Mukosa further advised couples to seek amicable solutions to marital problems rather than resorting to divorce and violence as the two can never be considered as solutions.
He highlighted the church’s ongoing efforts to support couples through accompaniment and a comprehensive model involving both remote and immediate preparations to equip couples for the challenges of marriage.
Additionally, Fr. Mukosa has since urged the government to establish robust laws safeguarding marriages, as the current surge in divorce cases rings a bell for more to be done.
Recent statistics in Zambia have indicated that there is a surge in divorce cases that civil courts have granted.
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